The International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, the largest and oldest aerospace show in the world, is held every two years on odd years at Le Bourget Airport 12 kilometers from Paris, the capital of France. This RIA Novosti photo essay presents the most famous Soviet and Russian aircraft displayed at the show.
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© RIA Novosti . Anna Yudina
The Yakovlev Yak-130 air force trainer was also displayed at Le Bourget. This is the first absolutely new, rather than upgraded, airplane to be built in Russia since the break-up of the USSR.
The first dedicated Le Bourget aircraft exhibition was held at Grand Palais in 1909 and sponsored by aerospace pioneers Andre Granet and Robert Esnault-Pelterie. Annual exhibitions were held until 1924. A Tupolev ANT-35 (PS-35) became the first Soviet (Russian) airplane to be unveiled at Le Bourget in 1936.
In 1965, the Soviet Union unveiled its Mil Mi-6 Hook, Mi-8 Hip and Mi-10 Harke helicopters at Le Bourget. The helicopters immediately attracted the attention of experts. The Antonov An-22 Antei / Cock strategic airlifter, which was displayed as a civilian airplane, caused quite a stir. The heavy-duty An-22, the first Soviet wide-body aircraft, was fitted with turboprop engines.
In 1989, the Soviet Union unveiled its Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum, Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, Su-25 Frogfoot warplanes and the Mil Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopter in Le Bourget for the first time. Photo: Soviet exhibits at the International Paris Air Show.
Also in 1989, the Antonov An-225 Mriya / Cossack strategic airlifter carried the Buran (Snow Storm) reusable space shuttle piggyback to Le Bourget. The An-225 became a global sensation.
In 1991, the MiG-31 Foxhound fighter-interceptor debued at the air show. The MiG-31 took part in demonstration flights during the last few days of the show, flying above the airfield at low altitude and performing several aerobatic maneuvers.
In 1995, Russia unveiled the Sukhoi Su-32, an export version of the Su-34 Fullback strike fighter-bomber. Experts and visitors were thrilled with this warplane’s performance.
